Washington Hilton Says Secret Service Protocols Were in Place During Hotel Shooting Incident

Mintesinot Niggusie

The Washington Hilton hotel said it was operating under “stringent” security protocols directed by the U.S. Secret Service when a man breached security and fired a shotgun inside the property during an event attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday.

The incident took place on the floor above the ballroom where the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held, according to a hotel statement released Monday.

The suspect, identified by law enforcement as Cole Allen, is accused of running through a security checkpoint while carrying weapons before opening fire inside the hotel. Authorities said he wounded a Secret Service agent during the incident.

A hotel spokesperson said security measures had been implemented across the property in coordination with federal and local agencies, and noted that the hotel was operating under stringent security protocols directed by the U.S. Secret Service, which led the security operation, with coordination also involving Washington, D.C., police and hotel security personnel.

The Secret Service, which is responsible for presidential protection, worked alongside multiple security teams during the event, according to the statement.

Allen is expected to appear in court on Monday, where he will face criminal charges related to the shooting incident.